More than 250 NFL players controversially knelt during the national anthem as a nod to peaceful protests for racial equality that Colin Kaepernick began last year. The protests were reignited after Trump’s rhetoric at an Alabama rally in September, when he used profanity to describe protesting players and called for their firing.

Bryant also answered a question about what he would say to President Donald Trump, saying he'd tell him to "focus on serving, not leading."

In preseason games, the Lakers have decided to lock arms during the national anthem as a compromise to not offend the military while also shedding light on injustice in the country.

Coach Luke Walton, a former teammate of Bryant's, said last week: “I think (the players) chose to show that we are united in this and that obviously, they have a ton of respect … well, I will let them speak for themselves, but I have a ton of respect for the country, the flag, the military. But by locking arms, I feel like we are showing that there are issues in this country, and it is a chance for us to raise awareness and still make it a talking point. If you do nothing, then it kind of goes away, and if it goes away, then nothing changes.

"... It is important for me, for the players and for our country to continue to talk and be active and get out in the community and do things that makes this country better and equal for opportunities and for everybody that lives here. I think that is why the players and team decided to do that."